[CR]The Whole Nationalistic Debate

(Example: History)

From: <LouDeeter@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 26 Feb 2006 09:45:51 EST
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]The Whole Nationalistic Debate

I recall a series of management tapes entitled, "You are what you were when." This may be appropriate for the recent comments by several listmembers about the heart and soul of various nations' bike offerings. In my own view, the Italian bikes speak race, race, race. The name builders came from a time when Italy dominated the world racing scene and they built on that experience to offer the world racing bikes that did that one thing very, very well. Then, you have the Brits, who have a wonderful countryside and a history of taking Sunday strolls, or rides, to enjoy their free time. Hillary presented a wonderful treatise on the British Bicycling Industry at Cirque several years ago, where he showed us the innovations, but ultimate protectionist policies that did them in. Still, simple three speed (or more) bikes for the masses are what I think of when I think of the "English Racer". It was only my introduction to more classic marques from this group that made me see that they had more. But, my view is still either three speed or fancy lugs when I think of British bikes. The French? The trials that I love to read about in Jan Heine's VBQ make me appreciative of an industry that loved practicality but also understood the need for lightweight, reliable machines. Fenders, racks, along with gearing to handle the varied French terrain are what I think of when I think of French bikes. French racing bikes? While they have the Tour de France, racing bikes are not what comes to mind when I think about the French bicycle industry. America? Old world workmanship plus gorgeous finishes set them apart. Like so many other things American, the result is a mixture of
   other world cultures. If you look at the 50s, 60s and 70s, it was a bike for the masses, with specialty offerings for, well, specialists. But, something to put under the Christmas tree that didn't break the budget is what comes to mind for early decades. Now, I believe the United States is the last bastion of handmade steel bicycles. The work rivals anything ever done anywhere else in the world. There are other builders in the world who have equally excellent offerings, but not in the same numbers as in the U.S. Just my three cents. In my collection, I have zero British, Belgium, French or German bikes. I own four Italian bikes, one Japanese, and about twelve U.S. built bikes. I'm not against all the others, I just buy what rocks my boat, and right now, it is the custom American builder and the Pantographed offerings from 70s-80s Italy. Lou Deeter, Orlando FL